Search the collections
Victorian Railways (VR), Spencer Street, Melbourne, Victoria
The discovery of gold in Victoria in the 1850s stimulated the growth of Melbourne both as a port and as an economy. Transportation became important for the young colony, and Melbourne was soon the location for Australia's first locomotive-powered railway line, which was officially opened on 12 September 1854. Operated by the privately owned Melbourne and Hobson's Bay Railway Company, the service ran from Flinders Street to Sandridge (now Port Melbourne).
A series of other routes, mainly for carrying passengers, were soon opened to St Kilda (1857), North Brighton (1859), Hawthorn (1861) and Essendon (1860).
The colonial government took over from the private companies to facilitate the rapid construction of regional rail lines as the gold rushes stimulated rural development. The railways reached Geelong in 1857, Sunbury in 1859, Bendigo in 1862 and Echuca in 1864. Agricultural booms also lead to further expansion of the rail network. The railways became the symbol of progress and prosperity. As the twentieth century progressed, however, road transport surpassed rail transport, and many branch lines were closed. Nevertheless, Victoria's railways remain a key part of passenger and freight transport networks.
References:
Department of Infrastructure website http://www.doi.vic.gov.au/DOI/Internet/transport.nsf/0/0B2FA0A482BC4F334A256D860082B85D?OpenDocument
Items per page: 10 50 (showing 11 - 20) 24 items
-
Tail Disc - White & Red, Victorian Railways, circa 1920s-1960s
Alternative Name(s): Marker Disk, Train Disc. Hinged folding 'tail disc', used as part of signalling and safety procedures by the Victorian Railways. Possibly made at the Newport Railw ...
Images: 3 -
Booklet - Victorian Railways, Rates of Livestock to & from Newmarket, Newmarket Saleyards, ...
Foolscap and stapled paper copy indicating Victorian Railway transport rates per 4 wheeled van for livestock to and from Newmarket Saleyards, effective 11th September, 1978. Issued by t ...
Images: 8 -
No Image Available
Pocket Watch - Omega, Victorian Railways, circa 1940
Nickel plated brass case, Omega, no 9962577. circa 1940. Issued by Victorian Railways to steam engine driver Gerald Dee.
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 0 -
Medal - Victorian Railways Carriage Works, W. Williams, Victoria, Australia, circa 1900
Australia Victoria Williams, W. Other Details: Victorian Railways Carriage Works copper medal, inscribed with the name W. Williams. It was probably used as an employee pass. Previous Co ...
Images: 1 -
Pass - Loco Branch, Victorian Railways, Victoria, Australia, circa 1900
Australia Pass - Victorian Railways Loco Branch c. 1900 (AD) Mint: not recorded
Images: 2 -
Silver Pass - Victorian Railways, Victoria, Australia, 1856-1874
Australia Victoria Melbourne Free Pass for Victoria Railways 1856 - 1874 (AD) Mint: not recorded Awarded to: Hon R.C. Hope, MLC. Other Details: R.C. Hope was a Member of the Victorian L ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 2 -
No Image Available
Photograph - Victorian Railways Offices, Melbourne, Victoria, circa 1890
Monochrome photograph of the Australian Club, William Street, Melbourne, taken by the studio of Nettleton & Arnest circa 1890. This photograph is part of a collection of 47 photograph ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 0 -
Turret Clock Movement - Victorian Railways, 1882
Turret clock movement, made by Thomas Gaunt, Melbourne, 1882. The clock was originally installed on a tower at the Elizabeth Street entrance of Flinders Street Station, Melbourne, in 1 ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 2 -
Turret Clock Movement - Victorian Railways, 1882
Turret clock movement, made by Thomas Gaunt, Melbourne, 1882. The clock was originally installed on a tower at the Elizabeth Street entrance of Flinders Street Station, Melbourne, in 1 ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 2 -
Turret Clock Movement - Victorian Railways, 1882
Turret clock movement, made by Thomas Gaunt, Melbourne, 1882. The clock was originally installed on a tower at the Elizabeth Street entrance of Flinders Street Station, Melbourne, in 1 ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 2
